Page 7 of Her Former Bear Mate

"I don't think that's any of your business,” Lena murmured, not so loud that Rheka might overhear.She wasn't trying to be rude, she just knew whatever Aditi got her was better.

Aditi's pouting face was deadly."I just wanted to make sure we didn't get her the same thing.We usually buy presents together, so..."

Lena sighed, trying to banish the memories of their gift-shopping adventures from her mind.It was true that they usually did this together but it was always more Aditi's thing."I got her a new scarf, one with little bears.You?"

"Aw, that's so cute.She was just saying she needed a new scarf.And I got her a massage coupon because she’s been quite stressed recently.And one of those little dog crowns for Princess.Not a crown, but you know, it's kind of thinner and got those fake diamonds—" She snapped her fingers to jog her memory.

"A tiara?"Lena said before she could help herself.It was so easy to get drawn in by Aditi, like a moon that could never escape its planet’s orbit.Lena was angry at herself for still being so susceptible.

Unaware, Aditi just snapped her fingers."Yes, that!I thought she would find that amusing.She loves that yappy little dog so much, it's honestly admirable."

This was all wrong.

Small talk with Aditi was wrong and Lena wanted no part in it.The last person she wanted to make small talk with was someone she'd poured her heart and soul out to before.All the deep conversations they had, about their pasts, their secret desires, their grand aspirations, she'd rather not speak another word to Aditi than cheapen what they used to have.

"I need to use the bathroom," Lena squeaked out, dashing off before Aditi could say anything else.At least the advantage of this party being in Rheka's house was that she didn't need to ask anyone where the bathroom was.

FOUR

Aditi

It was alreadytwo hours into the party and Aditi hadn't had another conversation with Lena yet.In fact, they hadn't exchanged a word or even a glance since that first brief meeting.She might as well have been air.Actually, air was pretty crucial to someone's existence.

She was less than air, dammit.

Frustrated, she ate the last of her chicken burger and crumpled her napkin into the tightest little ball.This was ridiculous.Was Lena going to literally avoid her the entire afternoon when they were at her mother's house?

Against her better judgement, she crossed the garden.She didn't know what she was looking for, or why she was so desperately seeking out a conversation.She was well aware that they were over.And yet, she couldn't help herself.Something inside her yearned.She wanted,needed, to talk to Lena.

"Hey."Aditi nervously ran a hand through her hair.

Lena's voice was ice cold."What?"

Ouch.

Aditi smiled through the sting."Did you try the garlic and coriander naans?I know they're your favourite."

What a rubbish opening line.She really should've come up with a better reason or excuse to start this conversation.

Lena scratched her nose."No, I wasn't in the mood."

"Oh.That surprises me.You always used to devour a whole one by yourself."

"And you always told me you didn't want a fated mate," Lena bit back."People change."

Double ouch.

For a moment, Lena glared at her with a familiar intensity, except that it was filled with hostility instead of passion.Then, she looked away."Whatever.Is there a reason you came over here?"

"No reason, I just wanted to chat.We’re meant to be civil, Alix was very clear about that."

Lena's shoulders sank slightly."Right.It's not fair to put her in the middle."

"It's not."Aditi took a tentative step closer, taking the flow of their conversation as a good sign."So how've you been?"

"Fine."

"Anything exciting happen at work?"

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